Benji big boost for new No. 7 Nikorima
KODI Nikorima heard Wayne Bennett’s comments. How could he not?
In axing long- term halfback Ben Hunt to the Intrust Super Cup last week, Bennett declared Nikorima would be Brisbane’s No. 7 next year.
It was a bold declaration by Bennett but Nikorima earned it. In his six games starting at halfback this season the Broncos are unbeaten.
Bennett, a seven- time premiership coach, knows better than any how to motivate his players.
“I heard that,” Nikorima, 23, said when asked if Bennett’s words got back to him.
“In a way yes ( it was a confidence boost), but it’s up to Wayne going forward. I’m not really too fazed on what’s to come. I’m just thinking about what we’re doing now.”
Part of that may be because Nikorima is yet to formally commit his future to the Broncos beyond this year.
He has an option in his favour to stay at Brisbane in 2018 but is yet to activate it. The Broncos remain confident Nikorima will stay, however the goalposts have changed.
He is no longer just a bench dummy- half. Brisbane’s No. 7 jersey brings with it an entirely different responsibility but he has the perfect partner to guide him into his new world.
Benji Marshall, 32, was an NRL and Kiwis superstar when Nikorima was coming through the grades.
Now they will start alongside each other for the first time when the Broncos tackle the Raiders in Canberra on Saturday.
“I’m really excited to get that opportunity to play with him. I’m keen to play with one of my idols,” Nikorima said.